UMMC earns ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence honors

Published on Monday, October 25, 2021

By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has been named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

The designation goes to breast imaging centers that are fully accredited in all ACR breast-imaging accreditation programs and modules including the ACR mammography accreditation program, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, ultrasound-guided breast biopsy and breast MRI.

“Being named as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence reflects the knowledge and skill of our breast imaging technologists and radiologists,” said Dr. Susan Shamburger, division chief of UMMC Breast Imaging. “Their depth of knowledge and commitment to patient care has resulted in this honor. Being a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence means that we take the extra steps to provide the best care.”

The division includes mammography as well as minimally invasive breast biopsies including ultrasound, stereotactic, three-dimensional mammography, and MRI-guided biopsies.

 The Breast Imaging announcement comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which Shamburger hopes will spotlight the importance of yearly mammograms.

“Women tend to care for others before they care for themselves,” she said. “This is one of the reasons women may not take time to have screening mammograms. For women in rural areas, access to mammography can be limited.”

UMMC offers screening mammography at the Pavilion on the main campus in Jackson as well as at the Jackson Medical Mall, Grant’s Ferry Clinic, and the Medical Center’s locations in Lexington and Grenada.  Diagnostic breast imaging services are offered at the Jackson Medical Mall Breast Center and Grenada Imaging Center.

“Catching breast cancer in its early stages saves lives,” Shamburger said. “The 1990s saw a 40 percent decrease in breast cancer deaths due to widespread screening mammography.”

Screening mammography is covered by all insurances including Medicare and Medicaid.

In the U.S., about one in every eight women will have breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the second most common form of cancer in women, following skin cancers. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women, following lung cancer.

Early detection decreases mortality for women with breast cancer. To spot breast cancer early, the American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend annual mammographic screening for women beginning at 40.

Women with additional risk factors placing them at a higher risk for developing breast cancer need further consideration for earlier and/or more intensive screening. These women, at an age younger than 40, have a risk equal to or higher than that of a 40-year-old woman at average risk for breast cancer.

All women, and especially those of African American or Ashkenazi Jewish descent, should be evaluated for their breast cancer risk no later than age 30 so those who are at higher risk can be identified and benefit from supplemental screening.

Dr. Barbara Craft, professor of medicine and director of the breast cancer program at UMMC, said breast imaging plays an integral role in UMMC’s breast cancer program.